Sink with tri-mountable sink rim

ABSTRACT

This invention is a novel sink rim that is readily adaptable to mounting by conventional drop in, under mount and flush mount methods. By incorporating a thicker and wider outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange, a tri-mountable sink rim is created. Having a flat surface on both the upper and lower surfaces of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange, the rim may be mounted as a drop in or an under mount sink assembly. By welding the separate pieces to form the sink assembly, substantially square exterior edges (of from about 85 to about 95 degrees, preferably from about 89 to about 91 degrees) are formed. These square exterior edges, as opposed to rolled or beveled edges, create a truly flush mountable rim, overcoming the limitations of prior art sinks. The additional thickness and width of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange provide adequate support for the sink assembly when flush mounted.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to sinks, and more particularly to sink rims that can be mounted by under mount, drop in and flush mount methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sinks are ubiquitous fixtures in both commercial and residential kitchens and bathrooms. Modern sinks add both functionality and esthetic appeal with designer sinks being manufactured from many materials and in many artistic designs. In the current marketplace, stainless steel sinks are particularly desirable. Most applications utilize fairly standard sized sink fixtures and cabinets to accommodate the limitations of existing spaces and to reduce the cost of pure custom designed furniture and plumbing work.

In recent years, countertops and sinks have developed into an important architectural feature of the kitchen. Materials used for countertops have expanded, as well as the artistic fashion in which sinks and countertops are engaged with one another. The variety and flexibility of component parts is increasingly demanded by designers and users.

Residential kitchen and bathroom sinks are often installed in cabinets. Three ways of mounting a residential kitchen sink are known in the industry and are described with reference to the relationship between the sink rim and the cabinet countertop: drop in, under mount and flush mount. As will be explained below, Applicant believes that prior art stainless steel sinks may only be mounted by drop in or under mount methods.

Applicant believes that true flush mount sinks are only available as custom designed pieces and not readily available as “off the shelf” consumable products. This is particularly true with respect to stainless steel sinks. Prior art sinks have a rim or flange that is flat, thin and narrow with rounded edges. These physical features do not allow for true flush mounting.

Drop in sinks are self-rimming sink units where the sink is set through a pre-cut hole in the countertop. The flange or lip around the sink provides a substantial portion of the support. The sink is secondarily held in place with clips that install from below. Under mount sinks are mounted from beneath the counter with no flange or lip showing. The sink is held in place with adhesive as the primary securing means. The adhesive bonds the top surface of the flange to the bottom surface of the countertop. Screws and clips that install from below the countertop add a secondary securing means. Flush mount sinks are designed to mount evenly with the counter top and often comprise a narrower support flange than the self-rimming sink designs. Screws and clips may be used to help secure the sink in place.

Drop in sink designs are easiest to install, but have at least one distinct and well-known disadvantage. At the juncture between the sink flange and the countertop, a silicone or other sealing compound is used to prevent infiltration of water and other liquids below the countertop through the cutout. This sealing compound tends to trap debris and is difficult to clean, creating a sanitary hazard and unsightly appearance. For this reason, in addition to esthetic preferences, under mount and flush mount designs are often preferred.

Prior art sinks are generally mountable in only one of the three methods (drop in, under mount or flush mount). Some “hybrid” prior art sinks may be mounted via two of the three methods, often requiring additional kits to adapt to a second mount style. Applicant believes there are no prior art sinks adaptable to mounting via drop in, under mount and flush mount. Attempts to adapt prior art sinks to multiple mounting methods have proven unsatisfactory. Commonly encountered problems include improper seating of the flange in the pre-cut countertop, gaps between the flange and the countertop and insufficient flange support for the weight of the basin.

In particular, materials and conventional sink manufacturing methods have inherent limitations on the suitability of many sink designs for flush mounting. For example, stainless steel sinks are traditionally stamped from sheet metal or punched from a mould, resulting in rounded or beveled edges. This rounded edge feature creates undesirable gaps between the edges of the sink and the countertop when flush mounted. As such, Applicant believes that stainless steel sinks are only available for drop in or under mounting. With these inherent limitations of the prior art, it is desirable to provide a sink unit, especially one manufactured from stainless steel, with a novel rim that is adapted to be mounted in all three manners.

Manufacturers would benefit from the production of a single tri-mountable design rather than two or three mount-specific designs. Distributors would benefit from a reduced inventory load to meet the needs of its customers, as well as the hassle, delays and financial losses for incorrect prediction of the demand for various mount styles of a particular sink design. Designers and installers would benefit from the ability to make field changes in the mount configuration without having to worry about the need for replacement sinks units with the correct mount configuration. Homeowners would benefit from the ability to remodel a kitchen or bathroom with new countertops, while re-using the sink unit. Dramatically different looks could be achieved with same component part, saving money and making remodeling projects more affordable and practical to implement.

It is an object of this invention to provide a sink rim and sink assembly which are closely matched to the requirements of household use to provide the functions of a sink, additionally, being versatile and readily adaptable to different mounting methods, without change in manufacturing technology, or manufacturing tools; and which is simple to make and of light weight, so that it can be easily manufactured and installed, for example, in a standard sink cabinet.

It is an object of this invention to provide a novel sink rim and sink assembly that are readily adaptable to mounting by conventional drop in, under mount and flush mount methods.

It is yet another object of this invention to provide a relatively simple sink assembly and novel sink rim that are economical for mass production from the viewpoint of the manufacturer and consumer, thereby making it economically available to the buying public.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention, there is provided a tri-mountable sink assembly comprising a sink basin and an outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises a generally rectangular shaped frame surrounding and outwardly protruding a distance of from about one-half to about six inches from the downwardly depending basin walls and disposed horizontally therefrom, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is adapted to be mounted in a countertop by flush mount, under mount and drop in methods, and wherein the quotient of a thickness of said downwardly depending basin walls divided by a thickness of said peripheral mounting flange is from about 0.08 to about 0.54.

In accordance with this inventor is also provided a novel sink rim comprising an outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange having a thickness of from about 0.2031 to about 0.4687 inches, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises a generally rectangular shaped frame surrounding and outwardly protruding a distance of from about one-half to about 6.0 inches from a sink basin and is adapted to be mounted in a countertop by flush mount, under mount and drop in methods.

Applicant's novel sink rim provides a true flush mount sink assembly that can be manufactured on a mass-scale and sold “off the shelf” to contractors and home owners.

Applicant's novel sink rim provides a stainless steel sink assembly that can be flush mounted in a countertop.

Applicant's novel sink rim provides a sink assembly that can be interchangeably mounted in a countertop by any one of three ways: drop in, under mount and flush mount.

Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, each embodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in any combination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarily meet each objective.

Thus, having broadly outlined the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additional features of the present invention that will be described herein and will form a part of the subject matter of the claims appended to this specification.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described by reference to the specification and the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tri-mountable sink assembly mounted by drop in method;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tri-mountable sink assembly mounted by flush mount method;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tri-mountable sink assembly mounted by under mount method;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an unmounted tri-mountable sink assembly;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of one embodiment of a tri-mountable sink assembly;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tri-mountable sink assembly mounted by flush mount method;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6 prior to mounting;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along A-A of FIG. 5;

FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C are detailed views of 162 of FIG. 8 depicting three embodiments of the peripherally extending flange;

FIG. 9 is an orthogonal front view of an unmounted tri-mountable sink assembly;

FIG. 10 is an orthogonal side view of an unmounted tri-mountable sink assembly;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a single basin tri-mountable sink assembly;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the embodiment of a tri-mountable sink assembly depicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along B-B of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is an orthogonal front view of the embodiment of a tri-mountable sink assembly depicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 is an orthogonal side view of the embodiment of a tri-mountable sink assembly depicted in FIG. 11;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a tri-mountable sink assembly mounted by flush mount method;

FIG. 17 is a perspective front view of the embodiment of a tri-mountable sink assembly depicted in FIG. 16; and

FIG. 18 is a plan view of the embodiment of a tri-mountable sink assembly depicted in FIG. 16.

The drawings are not to scale, in fact, some aspects have been emphasized for a better illustration and understanding of the written description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The novel sink assembly and sink rim of this invention are adaptable to be mounted via three conventional mounting methods: drop in, under mount and flush mount. The features of the sink rim and sink assembly described herein render them more versatile than sink assemblies and sink rims of the prior art. FIG. 1 depicts a novel tri-mountable sink assembly 100 mounted in a countertop 112 via a conventional drop in method. FIG. 2 depicts tri-mountable sink assembly 100 mounted in a countertop 112 via a conventional flush mount method. FIG. 3 depicts tri-mountable sink assembly 100 mounted in a countertop 112 via a conventional under mount method.

Referring to FIG. 1, tri-mountable sink assembly 100 comprises an outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102, a first basin 106, and a second basin 108. In the embodiment depicted, faucet controls 110 are disposed in countertop 112 in proximity of rear longitudinal side 104. The full outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 is disposed over the countertop 112 such that the depth 114 of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 is visible when mounted for use. In this mounting style, it is the underside (not visible in this view) of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 that is in contacting engagement with countertop 112.

As used in this specification, basin shall mean a basin-like, water impervious container that facilitates the collection of liquids, solids, and the like. It is to be understood and within the scope of this invention that a basin of this invention takes many shapes and sizes in various embodiments. By way of illustration, but not limitation, a basin of this invention may be a single basin, a double basin, a triple basin and the like.

Referring to FIG. 2, where tri-mountable sink assembly 100 is installed via a flush mount method, the depth 114 visible in FIG. 1 (the vertical exterior edge) is disposed in the countertop 112 and is not visible when mounted for use. The exposed surface of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 and the countertop are in the same plane, thus creating the “flush” horizontal transition between the two and a visually harmonious transition. In this mounting style, it is both the underside (not visible in this view) and the vertical exterior edge of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 that are in contacting engagement with countertop 112. In one embodiment, the countertop 112 is prepared for sink mounting with a surface cut-out and a sunken mounting ledge that is adapted to receive the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange. In this embodiment, the underside of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is in contacting engagement with the upper surface of the mounting ledge.

Referring to FIG. 3, where tri-mountable sink assembly 100 is installed via an under mount method, the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 (not visible in this view) is disposed below the countertop 112 and is not visible when mounted for use. The exposed vertical surface of the countertop cutout 116 and the basin walls 118, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 are in the same plane, thus creating a “flush” downward and visually harmonious transition between the two.

FIG. 4 depicts tri-mountable sink assembly 100 in an uninstalled state. In the aspect of the embodiment depicted, tri-mountable sink assembly 100 comprises an outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102, a first basin 106, and a second basin 108. First basin 106 and second basin 108 are divided transversely by dividing wall 132. In a preferred embodiment, said first basin 106, second basin 108, and dividing wall 132 are integrally formed as a single component. In some embodiments, each of said first basin 106, second basin 108, and dividing wall 132 are individual components permanently and fixedly assembled into a unitary structure with said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102. Outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 is integrally bound to first basin 106 and second basin 108 in a unitary sink unit.

In one embodiment, outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 and basins 106, 108 are metallurgically integral at their contiguous points of contact, thereby creating said unitary sink unit. In one aspect of this embodiment, welding is used to fixedly engage said contiguous points of contact.

Referring again to FIG. 4, first basin 106 comprises four downwardly depending basin walls 118, 120, 122, 124 and first base member 138. First drainage aperture 134 is disposed in first base member 138. First base member 140 is integrally bound to the downwardly depending basin walls 118, 120, 122, 124.

Referring again to FIG. 4, second basin 108 comprises four downwardly depending basin walls 126, 128, 130, 132 and second base member 140. Second drainage aperture 136 is disposed in second base member 140. Second base member 140 is integrally bound to the downwardly depending basin walls 126, 128, 130, 132.

The embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 is for illustrative purposes only. It is to be understood that first basin 106 and second basin 108 may manufactured in many sizes. For example, in one embodiment, first basin 106 and second basin 108 are the same size. In one embodiment, first basin 106 is larger than second basin 108, and in another embodiment, first basin 106 is smaller than second basin 108. As depicted in FIG. 11, a single basin sink is incorporated rather than a dual basin sink as depicted in FIG. 4.

In one aspect of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, said downwardly depending basin walls 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 and base members 138, 140 comprise a metallic material conventionally used in the manufacture of sinks. By way of example, but not limitation, said downwardly depending basin walls comprise copper, bronze, brass or stainless steel.

In a preferred embodiment, said downwardly depending basin walls 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 and base members 138, 140 comprise type 304 stainless steel having a thickness of from about 12 to about 20 gauge (from about 0.0375 to about 0.1094 inches) as measured on the United States standard scale for plate (iron and steel). In one aspect of such embodiment, said downwardly depending basin walls 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 comprise type 304 stainless steel having a thickness of from about 16 to about 18 gauge (from about 0.05 to about 0.0625 inches) as measured on the United States standard scale for plate (iron and steel).

In one aspect of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 comprises a metallic material conventionally used in the manufacture of sinks. By way of example, but not limitation, said downwardly depending basin walls comprise copper, bronze, brass or stainless steel.

In a preferred embodiment, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 comprises type 304 stainless steel having a thickness of from about 6 to about 6/0 gauge (from about 0.2031 to about 0.4687 inches) as measured on the United States standard scale for plate (iron and steel). In one aspect of such embodiment, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 comprises type 304 stainless steel having a thickness of from about 0.23 inches to about 0.26 inches (substantially about 3 gauge) as measured on the United States standard scale for plate (iron and steel). In one aspect, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 comprises type 304 stainless steel having a thickness of from about 0.23 inches to about 0.6 inches. In one preferred embodiment, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 comprises type 304 stainless steel having a thickness of about one-half inches.

Applicant believes that this novel thickness of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange provides several functional advantages. The thickness permits the sink rim to be flush mounted. Prior art stainless steel sinks with thinner and narrower outwardly extending peripheral mounting flanges cannot adequately support the weight of the sink basin in a flush mounted configuration. The thicker outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange overcomes this limitation of the prior art.

Additionally, whereas most stainless steel sinks are punched during the manufacturing process to form the basin and flange, the entire sink assembly comprises a single steel type and thickness. The rim is generally quite narrow. Additionally, the exterior edges have a beveled, rolled or rounded configuration. In contrast, Applicant's novel sink assembly comprises six separate pieces of steel welded together to form a basin and the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange. By incorporating a thicker and wider outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange, a tri-mountable sink rim is created. Having a flat surface on both the upper and lower surfaces of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange, the sink rim and/or sink assembly may be mounted as a drop in or an under mount sink assembly.

Additionally, Applicant's novel sink rim may be flush mounted. By welding the separate pieces to form the sink assembly, substantially square exterior edges (of from about 85 to about 95 degrees, preferably from about 89 to about 91 degrees) are formed. These square exterior edges, as opposed to rolled or beveled edges, create a truly flush mountable sink rim, overcoming the limitations of prior art sinks. The additional thickness and width of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange provide adequate support for the sink assembly when mounted. The square exterior edges of the tri-mountable sink rim eliminate the gaps created by the beveled/rolled edges of the prior art sink rims.

The unique structural design of Applicant's novel sink rim incorporates three flat surfaces and a square exterior edge of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange. The flat upper surface of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange facilitates under mounting. The flat lower surface, in combination with the width of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange, facilitate drop in mounting. The remaining flat vertical surface, in combination with the square exterior edge, novel thickness, and width of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange, facilitate flush mounting.

In one preferred embodiment, said tri-mountable sink assembly 100 comprises a chromium-nickel stainless steel selected from the AISI/SAE 300 series of stainless steels. In another embodiment, said tri-mountable sink assembly 100 comprises a chromium-nickel-manganese alloy stainless steel selected from the AISI/SAE 200 series of stainless steels. Other standardized steels that are used in the manufacture of tri-mountable sink assembly 100 include, but are not limited to, ASTM/AISI steel types 304L, 304LN, 304, 304H and the like. Other standardized steels that are used in the manufacture of tri-mountable sink assembly 100 include, but are not limited to, EN-standard steel types 1.4307, 1.4306, 1.4311, 1.4301, 1.4948, and the like.

In one embodiment, said tri-mountable sink assembly 100 comprises an alloy containing from about 11 to about 30 weight per cent of iron and from about 10.5 to about 30 weight per cent of chromium.

In one embodiment, said tri-mountable sink assembly 100 comprises an alloy containing from about 11 to about 30 weight per cent of iron; from about 10.5 to about 30 weight per cent of chromium; and other alloying elements selected from the group consisting of nickel, molybdenum, copper, titanium, aluminum, silicon, nobium, nitrogen, sulphur, selenium and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, said tri-mountable sink assembly 100 comprises an austenitic stainless steel alloy containing from about 11 to about 30 weight per cent of iron, from about 16 to about 26 weight per cent of chromium, and from about 8 to about 22 weight per cent of nickel. In a preferred embodiment, said tri-mountable sink assembly 100 comprises an austenitic stainless steel alloy containing from about 11 to about 30 weight per cent of iron, about 18 weight per cent of chromium, and about 10 weight per cent of nickel.

In one preferred embodiment of tri-mountable sink assembly 100, component parts of the sink assembly (e.g. basin walls 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132; base members 138, 140; and outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102) are assembled by a welding process. By way of illustration, but not limitation, suitable welding methods known in the art include shield metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding and gas metal arc welding. Filler metal alloys used in the welding process may include, but are not limited to, conventional filler metal alloys Cr—Ni-Austenitic (AISI No. 309, 310, 316, 317, 347) and the like. FIGS. 8A and 8B depict two configurations for assembling and welding some of the component parts of the sink, e.g. basin walls 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 and outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102.

FIG. 5 depicts a plan (top) view of one embodiment of the tri-mountable sink assembly 100. In this view, the features of base members 138, 140 (see FIG. 4) are more clearly depicted. As visible in FIG. 5, first base member 140 (of FIG. 4) comprises anterior base portion 154, posterior base portion 150, first axial base portion 156, second axial base portion 152 and first drainage aperture 136. As visible in FIG. 5, second base member 138 (of FIG. 4) comprises proximal base portion 146, distal base portion 142, third axial base portion 144, fourth axial base portion 148 and second drainage aperture 134.

Referring to FIG. 5, first drainage aperture 136 and second drainage aperture 134 have a diameter 160, 158 of from about three inches to about four inches, preferably about three and five-eighths inches. Preferably, a conventional drain assembly, garbage disposal or the like is mounted in drainage apertures 134, 136 when in use.

Referring to FIG. 5, anterior base portion 154, posterior base portion 150, first axial base portion 156, second axial base portion 152, proximal base portion 146, distal base portion 142, third axial base portion 144, and fourth axial base portion 148 are gently pitched downwardly from the basin walls toward their respective drainage apertures 134, 136 to facilitate the drainage (exiting) of water from the basins 106, 108 via the drainage apertures 134, 136. In a preferred embodiment, the drainage apertures 134, 136 are disposed at the lowest point of their respective base members 138, 140. In one aspect of this embodiment, the downward pitch is from about one to about thirty degrees.

Referring to FIG. 5, outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 comprises four members 102A, 102B, 102C, and 102D. In the embodiment depicted, outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange extends from one-half to six inches, preferably from about one-half to about three inches, outwardly from the basin walls 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132 uniformly around the entire periphery in a symmetrical fashion. Thus, a rectangular shaped frame is formed around the basin with an opening with a distance 153 between the interior edges of sections 102C and 102A of outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one preferred embodiment, drainage apertures 134, 136 are disposed about base members 138, 140 such that the midpoint of the drainage aperture 134, 136 is disposed at a distance 151 of from about one inch to about six inches from the basin walls 118, 126.

FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of tri-mountable sink assembly 200. In this view, tri-mountable sink assembly 200 is top-mounted in countertop 112. The features of tri-mountable sink assembly 200 are substantially the same as depicted and described herein with reference to embodiment 100 with the exception that the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is not uniform. In the embodiment 200 depicted, outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises proximal flange portion 206, distal flange portion 202, first transverse flange portion 204 and second transverse flange portion 208.

In one aspect of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, proximal flange portion 206 has a width 216 of from about one-half to about six inches, preferably from about one-half to about three inches. In the aspect of this embodiment depicted, proximal flange portion 206 extends from the basin walls to the front edge 210 of countertop 112.

In one aspect of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, distal flange portion 202 has a width 218 of from about one-half to about six inches, preferably from about one-half to about three inches. In the aspect of this embodiment depicted, distal flange portion 202 further comprises a plurality of apertures 212, 214 to receive faucet controls 110. It is to be appreciated that only a single such aperture, three apertures or some other combination may be used as required for the desired faucet control, sprayer, or the like. Apertures 212, 214 are preferably disposed along distal flange 202 such that faucet 224 is in proper alignment 226 with the sink basins 106, 108 and/or drainage apertures 134, 136. In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, faucet 224 is in direct alignment with drainage apertures 134, 136 to minimize the noise created by flowing water contacting the base members 138, 140.

FIG. 7 depicts one embodiment of tri-mountable sink assembly 200 prior to mounting. Apertures 212, 214 may be more clearly observed in this view. Optionally and additionally, a plurality of noise reducing devices 222, 230 are affixed along the exterior surfaces of basin walls 122, 130 to soften the noise created when water, dishes and the like come into contact with the basin walls and/or base members. By way of illustration, but not limitation, noise reducing devices comprise rubber. By way of further illustration, a spray-on coating on the entire underside of the sink basin may be used to reduce such noise.

In one aspect of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, first transverse flange portion 204 and second transverse flange portion 208 have a width 220, 224 of from about one-half to about three inches. In the aspect of this embodiment depicted, first transverse flange portion 204 and second transverse flange portion 208 have the same width 220, 224. In the aspect of this embodiment depicted, first transverse flange portion 204 and second transverse flange portion 208 have a width 220, 224 that is less than the width 216 of proximal flange portion 206 and/or the width 218 of distal flange portion 202. In the aspect of this embodiment depicted, proximal flange portion 206 and distal flange portion 202 have the same width 216, 218. By way of illustration, but not limitation, first transverse flange portion 204 and second transverse flange portion 208 have a width 220, 224 of about one and one-half inches, distal flange portion 202 has a width 218 of about three inches, and proximal flange portion 206 has a width 216 of about three inches. By way of further illustration, but not limitation, first transverse flange portion 204 and second transverse flange portion 208 have a width 220, 224 of from about one-half to about six inches, distal flange portion 202 has a width 218 of from about one half to about six inches, and proximal flange portion 206 has a width 216 of from about one-half to about six inches.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along A-A of FIG. 5 and more clearly depicts the dimensions of basins 106 and 108. Basin 106 has an opening with a distance 176 of from about four to about forty-eight inches. In one embodiment, basin 106 has an opening with a distance 176 of about thirteen inches. Outwardly protruding peripheral mounting flange 102 protrudes a distance 174, 188 of from about one-half inch to about six inches, preferably from about one-half to about three inches. Divider 132 extends a distance 178 of from about one-half to about three inches, preferably from about one to about one and one-half inches. Basin 108 has an opening with a distance 180 of from about four to about forty-eight inches. In one embodiment, basin 108 has an opening with a distance 176 of about nineteen inches. The depth 168 of basin 108 is from about one inch to about nineteen inches. Downwardly depending basin wall 128 extends a distance 164 of from about one inch to about eighteen inches before it junctures with second axial base portion 152. Second axial base portion 152 extends downwardly toward drain aperture 136 at a slope of from about one to about thirty degrees. In one embodiment, angle 194 is from about one degree to about thirty degrees.

Similarly, the depth 172 of basin 106 is from about one inch to about eighteen inches. Downwardly depending basin wall 126 extends a distance 170 of from about one inch to about eighteen inches before it junctures with fourth axial base portion 148. Fourth axial base portion 148 extends downwardly toward drain aperture 134 at a slope of from about one to about thirty degrees. In one embodiment, angle 196 is from about one degree to about thirty degrees.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict close up sectional views of 162 of FIG. 8. FIG. 8A depicts outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 assembled together with basin 106 such that the top 195 of the basin wall is permanently affixed to the side 198 of and flush with the top 197 of outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8A, a portion of the basin wall forms part of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102.

FIG. 8B depicts outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 assembled together with basin 106 such that the top 195 of the basin wall is permanently affixed to the bottom 199 of and flush with the side 198 of outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8B, the basin wall does not form part of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the thickness 190 of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 is greater than the thickness 192 of the basin walls. In one embodiment, the quotient of a thickness 192 of said downwardly depending basin walls divided by a thickness 190 of said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is from about 0.08 to about 0.54. In a preferred embodiment, the quotient of a thickness 192 of said downwardly depending basin walls divided by a thickness 190 of said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is from about 0.2 to about 0.25.

FIG. 8C depicts an alternate embodiment of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 shown is FIGS. 8A and 8B. It is substantially the same with the exception that interior edge 193 comprises a slightly rounded edge at the juncture between the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 and the downwardly depending basin walls 106. In one aspect of this embodiment, the interior edge 193 radius is from about 1/32 inch to about ½ inch. This interior edge 193 differs from the exterior edge 191. The exterior edge 191 of the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 102 comprises a substantially square edge of from about 85 to about 95 degrees, thus resulting in an asymmetrical edge along the longitudinal sides of the flange portions. This rounded interior edge 193 prevents sharp edges upon which a user may be lacerated while the substantially square edge 191 facilitates the tri-mountable feature of this novel sink rim.

FIG. 9 is a front view of tri-mountable sink assembly 100 and FIG. 10 is a side view of tri-mountable sink assembly 100. They depict additional views for further clarification and reference.

FIG. 11 depicts one embodiment of tri-mountable sink assembly 300 which is substantially the same as depicted and described with respect to embodiment 200 with the exception that it comprises a single basin 324. Noise reducing device 306 is affixed along the exterior surface of basin wall 310 and is substantially the same as that described with reference to noise reducing devices 222, 230 of FIG. 7. Optionally and additionally, a plurality of noise reducing devices 306 may be affixed along the exterior surfaces of basin walls 308, 312 and 314. Aperture 203 is adapted to receive faucet controls (not depicted in this view). In the embodiment depicted, aperture 302 is disposed along distal flange portion 316 about its midpoint.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of embodiment 300. In one aspect of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12, first transverse flange portion 322, second transverse flange portion 318, distal flange portion 316, and proximal flange portion 320 have a width 334, 330, 328, 332 of from about one-half to about six inches, preferably from about one-half to about three inches. In the aspect of this embodiment depicted, first transverse flange portion 322 and second transverse flange portion 318 have the same width 334, 330. In the aspect of this embodiment depicted, first transverse flange portion 322 and second transverse flange portion 318 have a width 334, 330 that is less than or equal to the width 332 of proximal flange portion 320 and/or the width 328 of distal flange portion 316. In the aspect of this embodiment depicted, proximal flange portion 320 and distal flange portion 316 have the same width 332, 328. By way of illustration, but not limitation, first transverse flange portion 322 and second transverse flange portion 318 have the a width 334, 330 of about one and one-half inches, distal flange portion 316 has a width 328 of about one and one-half inches, and proximal flange portion 320 has a width 332 of about one and one-half inches.

Referring again to FIG. 12, anterior base portion 354 is substantially the same as described and depicted with reference to anterior base portion 154 of FIG. 5. Posterior base portion 350 is substantially the same as described and depicted with reference to posterior base portion 150 of FIG. 5; first axial base portion 356 is substantially the same as described and depicted with reference to first axial base portion 156 of FIG. 5; second axial base portion 352 is substantially the same as described and depicted with reference to second axial base portion 152 of FIG. 5. Drainage aperture 304 is substantially the same as described and depicted with reference to first drainage aperture 136 of FIG. 5, having a diameter 160 of from about three inches to about four inches, preferably about three and five-eighths inches. Preferably, a conventional drain assembly, garbage disposal or the like is mounted in drainage aperture 304 when in use.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of embodiment 300 taken along B-B of FIG. 12. In the embodiment depicted, first transverse flange portion 322 and second transverse flange portion 318 have a width 334, 330 of about one and one-half inches. Basin 324 has an opening that extends a distance 380 between basin walls 308 and 312 of from about four inches to about forty-eight inches. The basin walls 308, 312 depend downwardly from the first transverse flange portion 322 and second transverse flange portion 318 extending a distance 164 of from about one inch to about eighteen inches. The depth 168 of basin 324 at its lowest point at drainage aperture 304 is of from about one inch to about twenty-two inches. Second axial base portion 352 extends downwardly toward drain aperture 304 at a slope of from about one to about thirty degrees. In one embodiment, angle 394 is from about one degree to about thirty degrees.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are additional views of embodiment 300 to show additional aspects not visible in the other views. FIG. 14 is front view and FIG. 15 is a left side view.

FIG. 16 depicts one embodiment of tri-mountable sink assembly 400 as flush mounted in countertop 112. The embodiment depicted is substantially the same as depicted and described with respect to embodiments 100, 200 and 300 with the exception that it comprises arcuate corners 402, 404, 406, 408 along the outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange 418. As depicted, this aspect of the embodiment is particularly suited to flush mounting in countertops 112 comprised of CORIAN®, granite, simulated marble, cement, wood, slate, stone, and the like. In the aspect of embodiment 400 depicted in FIG. 16, the faucet controls 110 are disposed in countertop 112.

FIG. 17 depicts tri-mountable sink assembly 400 in its unmounted state. In this view, optional noise reducing devices 414 are visibly affixed along a plurality of the basin walls. Said noise reducing devices 414 are substantially the same as that described with reference to noise reducing devices 228, 230 of FIG. 7. Additionally, in the aspect of embodiment 400 depicted in FIG. 17, apertures 410 and 412 are adapted to receive faucet controls (not depicted in this view but see 110 of FIG. 16). In the embodiment depicted, apertures 410, 412 are disposed along distal flange portion 416 in a manner described with reference to FIGS. 5 and/or 6.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of embodiment 400. Corners 402, 404, 406 and 408 comprise a radius of from about one-eighth to about one-half inch, preferably about one-quarter inch.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent construction insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the conception regarded as the present invention. 

1. A tri-mountable sink assembly comprising: a first sink basin, wherein said first sink basin comprises four downwardly depending basin walls, wherein said downwardly depending basin walls have a thickness, a base member, wherein said base member has a thickness and comprises a drainage aperture, an outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises a generally rectangular shaped frame surrounding and outwardly protruding from said downwardly depending basin walls, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange has a thickness, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange extends outwardly a distance of from about 0.5 to about 6.0 inches from the downwardly depending basin walls, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is disposed horizontally from the downwardly depending basin walls, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is adapted to be mounted in a countertop by flush mount, under mount and drop in methods, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises an interior edge and an exterior edge, said downwardly depending basin walls depend from said interior edge, wherein said tri-mountable sink assembly comprises a unitary structure, and wherein the quotient of a thickness of said downwardly depending basin walls divided by a thickness of said peripheral mounting flange is from about 0.08 to about 0.54.
 2. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 1, wherein said tri-mountable sink assembly comprises a material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, bronze and brass.
 3. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 2, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises from about 6 to about 6/0 gauge stainless steel.
 4. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 3, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises 3 gauge stainless steel.
 5. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 2, wherein said downwardly depending basin walls comprise from about 12 to about 20 gauge stainless steel.
 6. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 4, wherein said downwardly depending basin walls comprise from about 16 to about 18 gauge stainless steel.
 7. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 6, wherein the quotient of a thickness of said downwardly depending basin walls divided by a thickness of said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is from about 0.2 to about 0.25.
 8. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 7, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange further comprises a distal flange portion, a proximal flange portion, a first transverse flange portion and a second transverse flange portion, and wherein said distal flange portion comprises a width of from about 1.5 to about 6 inches, said proximal flange portion comprises a width of from about 1.5 to about 6 inches, said first transverse flange portion comprises a width of from about 0.5 to about 3 inches, said second transverse flange portion comprises a width of from about 0.5 to about 3 inches, said first transverse flange portion and said second transverse flange portion comprise the same width, and said first transverse flange portion and said second transverse flange portion comprise a width that is less than the width of said distal flange portion or said proximal flange portion.
 9. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 7, wherein said basin further comprises at least one noise reducing device.
 10. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 9, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange further comprises at least one aperture adapted to receive faucet controls.
 11. A tri-mountable sink assembly comprising A first sink basin, wherein said first sink basin comprises four downwardly depending basin walls, wherein said downwardly depending basin walls have a thickness, a first base member, wherein said first base member has a thickness and comprises a first drainage aperture, an outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises a generally rectangular shaped frame surrounding and outwardly protruding from said downwardly depending basin walls, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange has a thickness, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange extends outwardly a distance of from about 0.5 to about 6 inches from the downwardly depending basin walls, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is disposed horizontally from the downwardly depending basin walls, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is adapted to be mounted in a countertop by flush mount, under mount and drop in methods, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises an interior edge and an exterior edge, said downwardly depending basin walls depend from said interior edge, said interior edge directly communicates with said downwardly depending basin walls, said interior edge comprises a rounded edge with a radius of from about 1/32 inch to about ½ inch, said exterior edge comprises a generally square edge, wherein said tri-mountable sink assembly comprises stainless steel, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises 3 gauge stainless steel, said downwardly depending basin walls comprise from about 16 to about 18 gauge stainless steel, said first base member comprises from about 16 to about 18 gauge stainless steel, and the quotient of a thickness of said downwardly depending basin walls divided by a thickness of said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is from about 0.2 to about 0.25, and wherein said tri-mountable sink assembly comprises a unitary structure.
 12. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 11, wherein said first basin comprises a generally rectangular shape.
 13. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 11, wherein said tri-mountable sink assembly further comprises a second basin.
 14. The tri-mountable sink assembly of claim 12, wherein said second basin comprises a generally rectangular shape.
 15. A tri-mountable countertop sink rim comprising A first sink basin, wherein said first sink basin comprises four downwardly depending basin walls and a base member, said downwardly depending basin walls have a thickness, and an outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises a generally rectangular shaped frame surrounding and outwardly protruding from said downwardly depending basin walls, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange has a thickness, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is adapted to be mounted in a countertop by flush mount, under mount and drop in methods, said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises an interior edge and an exterior edge. said downwardly depending basin walls depend from said interior edge, said interior edge comprises a rounded edge with a radius of from about 1/32 inch to about ½ inch, said exterior edge comprises a generally square edge, and and wherein the quotient of a thickness of said downwardly depending basin walls divided by a thickness of said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is from about 0.08 to about 0.54.
 16. The tri-mountable countertop sink rim of claim 15, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange comprises 3 gauge stainless steel, wherein said downwardly depending basin walls comprise from about 16 to about 15 gauge stainless steel, and wherein the quotient of a thickness of said downwardly depending basin walls divided by a thickness of said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange is from about 0.2 to about 0.25.
 17. The tri-mountable countertop sink rim of claim 16, wherein said peripheral mounting flange uniformly extends outwardly a distance of from about 0.5 to about 6 inches from said downwardly depending basin walls.
 18. The tri-mountable countertop sink rim of claim 17, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange uniformly extends outwardly a distance of about 1.5 inches from said downwardly depending basin walls.
 19. The tri-mountable countertop sink rim of claim 16, wherein said outwardly extending peripheral mounting flange further comprises a distal flange portion, a proximal flange portion, a first transverse flange portion and a second transverse flange portion, and wherein said distal flange portion comprises a width of from about 1.5 to about 6 inches, said proximal flange portion comprises a width of from about 1.5 to about 6 inches, said first transverse flange portion comprises a width of from about 0.5 to about 3 inches, said second transverse flange portion comprises a width of from about 0.5 to about 3 inches, said first transverse flange portion and said second transverse flange portion comprise the same width, and said first transverse flange portion and said second transverse flange portion comprise a width that is less than the width of said distal flange portion or said proximal flange portion.
 20. The tri-mountable countertop sink rim of claim 15 further comprising a countertop and a cabinet, wherein said sink rim is flush mounted about said countertop.
 21. A sink mountable in a countertop according to a selected one of a plurality of mounting styles, comprising: a basin having a mouth; and a mounting flange fixed to and extending outward from the basin mouth, the mounting flange dimensioned to support the sink when mounted and comprising: a top surface dimensioned to cooperate for under mounting style with a bottom surface of the countertop and to lie for flush mounting style in the same plane as the top surface of the countertop; and a bottom surface dimensioned to cooperate for drop in mounting style with the top surface of the countertop and to cooperate for flush mounting style with an upper surface of a sunken mounting ledge in the countertop.
 22. The sink of claim 21, wherein the mounting flange is generally rectangular.
 23. The sink of claim 22, wherein the mounting flange comprises a peripheral surface extending between the top and bottom surfaces.
 24. The sink of claim 23, wherein the peripheral surface is a vertical exterior edge.
 25. The sink of claim 24, wherein the top and bottom surfaces of the mounting flange are each generally horizontal when mounted.
 26. The sink of claim 25, wherein the mounting flange is metallurgically integral with the basin.
 27. The sink of claim 26, wherein the mounting flange comprises a plurality of members.
 28. The sink of claim 27, wherein the mounting flange comprises four members.
 29. The sink of claim 28, wherein the mounting flange extends from about 0.5 to about 6 inches outward from the basin mouth.
 30. A sink assembly comprising: a countertop having a cutout; and the sink of claim 21 mounted in the countertop according to a style selected from the group consisting of under mounting, flush mounting and drop in mounting..
 31. The sink assembly of claim 30, wherein the cutout is dimensioned to have a periphery that is vertically flush with the interior walls of the basin when the sink is mounted according to the under mounting style.
 32. The sink assembly of claim 30, wherein the cutout is dimensioned to have a periphery that is adjacent to the basin when the sink is mounted according to the drop in mounting style.
 33. The sink assembly of claim 30, wherein the cutout is dimensioned to have a periphery that is adjacent to the periphery of the mounting flange when the sink is mounted according to the flush mounting style, the countertop further comprising a sunken mounting ledge for cooperating with the bottom surface of the mounting flange to support the sink. 